Songs On The Couch

This week on Songs on the Couch, we're tackling one of the biggest breakup songs of the 2010s - “Somebody That I Used to Know” by Gotye feat. Kimbra!

A song about a breakup… told from two very different perspectives. At first, Gotye gets his chance to tell us how terrible his ex was - then Kimbra walks in with a very different version of events!

We dive into how Gotye built the song from obscure samples, including Luiz Bonfá's “Seville” and a melody connected to Baa, Baa, Black Sheep, the incredible painted-body music video, Kimbra's rise to international fame, and how a song largely created in a shed on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula became a worldwide No. 1.

This week on Songs on the Couch, we're putting the legendary Dolly Parton on the couch as we dive into her clever and heartfelt bluegrass song, “The Grass Is Blue.”

We explore Dolly's incredible life and career, from her humble beginnings in the Smoky Mountains to becoming one of the most successful and beloved entertainers of all time. We'll uncover some surprising Dolly tidbits, including the incredible story of the song she locked away to be released decades into the future!

Musically, we explore Dolly's return to her bluegrass roots and what makes bluegrass different from country music. Then, of course, we put the lyrics on the couch and unpack the song's themes of heartbreak, denial, humour and convincing yourself that everything is perfectly fine...

Because sometimes the grass isn't greener on the other side.

Apparently, it's blue.

This week on Songs on the Couch, we're jumping into the world of Incubus and their massive 2000 hit “Drive.”

We explore the fascinating story of the band, their beginnings in the California alternative rock scene, and how they evolved from a heavier, funk and hip-hop-influenced sound into one of the biggest alternative rock bands of the early 2000s.

We'll take a look at how Drive came together, the musical and sonic choices that make this seemingly simple song so effective, and what was happening culturally around the year 2000 - from Y2K and the rise of the internet to Napster, MTV and the explosion of nu-metal.

Then we put the song on the couch and unpack its deeper meaning. Is Drive really about driving, or is it about fear, anxiety, control and the choices we make when we're faced with uncertainty?

Join us for another mix of music, history, psychology and plenty of laughs as we ask the big question:

Who's actually driving your life?

This week on Songs on the Couch, we're exploring one of the most moving and emotionally powerful duets ever recorded: "Don't Give Up" by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush.

Inspired by unemployment, loss, and the struggle to find hope in life's darkest moments, this timeless classic is far more than just a beautiful song. We uncover the incredible story behind its creation, the surprising artist who almost sang Kate Bush's part, and why this song has become an anthem of resilience for millions around the world.

As always, we'll dive into the fascinating history of Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, unpack the musical brilliance that makes this duet so unforgettable, and explore the psychology behind shame, identity, resilience, supportive relationships, and the power of simply having someone say, "Don't give up."

This week on Songs on the Couch, we're diving into one of the most influential songs ever written: "Stan" by Eminem featuring Dido.

What begins as a fan letter evolves into a gripping psychological thriller, exploring obsession, identity, loneliness, and the dangers of parasocial relationships long before social media even existed. We unpack the fascinating story behind the song, how Dido's haunting chorus transformed the track, and how a fictional character became so culturally significant that his name was added to the dictionary.

We'll explore Eminem's rise from struggling Detroit rapper to global superstar, the creation of his Slim Shady alter ego, and the real-life experiences that inspired one of hip-hop's greatest storytelling achievements.

Along the way, we'll discuss celebrity worship, fandom culture, attachment theory, and why "Stan" feels even more relevant today than it did when it was released in 2000.

Join us as we sit down on the couch with Eminem's most iconic character and discover why Stan remains a cautionary tale, a cultural phenomenon, and one of the greatest narrative songs ever recorded.

On Episode 27 of Songs on the Couch, we dive into the haunting beauty of “Constant Craving” by k.d. lang. Together, we explore the history of k.d. lang, the creation of her biggest hit, and why this understated 90s classic still resonates so deeply today.

We break down the song’s minimalist musical structure, incredible vocal performance, and the psychological themes of longing, desire, emotional emptiness, and the constant human search for connection and fulfilment.

Along the way, we uncover fascinating tidbits about k.d. lang’s career, her influence on music and LGBTQ+ representation, her Patsy Cline inspirations, and how a song so quiet can hit so hard emotionally.

Funny, insightful, emotional, and educational - this is Songs on the Couch.

This week on Songs on the Couch, we dive headfirst into “Demolition Lovers” by My Chemical Romance - a dark, cinematic love story where romance and destruction go hand in hand.

Our musician breaks down the raw, explosive sound of the track - its slow-burning build, chaotic climax, and emotionally charged vocals - while our psychologist unpacks the relationship at its core: a bond so intense it blurs the line between love, identity, and self-destruction.

Together, we explore what happens when two people become everything to each other… and whether that kind of connection is powerful, dangerous, or both.

It’s messy, dramatic, and just a little unhinged - in the best way.

This week on Songs on the Couch, we dive into Sign of the Times, the bold debut solo single from Harry Styles. Breaking away from One Direction, Harry didn’t play it safe - delivering a sweeping, emotional ballad that challenged expectations and redefined his identity as an artist.

We explore his journey from global boyband fame to solo credibility, the risks behind releasing a nearly six-minute rock-inspired track, and the deeper psychological themes of mortality, identity, and letting go. Was this just a song… or a statement?

This week on Songs on the Couch, we dive into No More Tears (Enough Is Enough), the explosive disco powerhouse from Barbra Streisand and Donna Summer. We explore how two completely different musical worlds - Broadway drama and disco royalty - collided to create one of the most iconic diva duets of all time. From its unusual creation as two separate songs mashed together, to its massive chart success and over-the-top musical build, we unpack the psychology of reaching your emotional breaking point and turning heartbreak into a dancefloor anthem.

This week on Songs on the Couch, we unpack Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John - a song about fame, fantasy, and the quiet exhaustion behind superstardom. We dive into the chaotic Jamaica sessions, the creative rebirth in France, Bernie Taupin’s lyrical symbolism, and the psychology of wanting to walk away from the very dream you built. Why does this 1973 classic still hit so hard? Let’s get it on the couch!